Senate panel considers Mo. open records measure

A Missouri Senate committee has heard testimony on legislation aimed at strengthening the state's open meetings and records law.

Sponsoring Sen. Kurt Schaefer said during a hearing Wednesday one significant change focuses on complaints about violations.

Schaefer says current law puts the burden on complainants to show that a violation occurred. His legislation would require the governmental body to prove during legal proceedings that a meeting, record or vote was properly closed.

Current law allows penalties of up to $1,000 against government bodies or officials for a "knowing" violation. The legislation would reduce it to $100 but would no longer require that a violation be "knowing."

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Senate panel considers Mo. open records measure

A Missouri Senate committee has heard testimony on legislation aimed at strengthening the state's open meetings and records law.